May 30, 2010

2010 MLS Power Rankings: Week 11

A week of surprises, expected games and a wide range shift of power rankings in Major League Soccer. Now who ever's heard of THAT?!

To sum it up before getting into the rankings, the Galaxy–as expected–remained on top, the United finally look lie they're out of their last place slump...for the time being. Not to give much away...lets get into the rankings.

From showing that they're the most unstoppable team in Major League Soccer, the Galaxy take the ultimate test this season. Travel to the best Eastern Conference team's home pitch–without their stars–and still win, in spite of the fact of Columbus' latest USMNT returnees. Depth (and the Galaxy's solid defense) defined.

TFC is looking stronger than ever in their short history. The Canadian club has finally proved they can perform away from BMO. Perhaps the tie earlier against the Galaxy in Los Angeles helped fueled confidence in their California tour.

The Earthquakes looked like they were on pace to explode in the west, though that's not saying much because the Galaxy are practically running away with the Western title. The Quakes probably would have vied for second in the west with Salt Lake. Now Salt Lake has some breathing space and the Quakes are neck and neck with the Rapids.

As thrilling of a Northeast Rivalry as it was between the Red Bulls and Revs, I was expecting New York to earn a win–or at-least a tie–at Gillette Stadium. Unlike the United, the Red Bulls are having similar luck to the Sounders in terms of subsequent friendly victory. (3-1 win over Juventus).

After thrashing and completely dictating the game against the United, I would have presumed that the Orange Crush could easily manhandle the Zolos in Houston. Proves the unpredictability of the Dynamo, and quite evidentially...the league in general.

Revs have long been in a slump, perhaps their worst in years. A solid, yet very close victory against the Red Bulls will help them be back on sync. Revs finally get a win in I don't know how long. Still looking nothing like the Revs had been throughout the late 00's.

I wonder if the Hoops can seriously do anything other than tie games, regardless of where they are. Two road ties against weak Eastern teams is not necessarily the most impressive. Still ties on the road are helpful in point standings. Guess not in power rankings.

Another tie stacked up for the Inferno. Chicago really needs to find an offensive plug to give them an edge, or their season of subpar players is doomed. de los Cobos is not finding the strength in this team like he did when he led El Salvador to their surprise Hex run in World Cup qualifying.

The Sounders losing-record has been a bit of a shock from a team that was expected to be MLS Cup-bound during the pre-season. Their 3-0 thrashing to Boca Juniors earlier didn't exactly have they results as they would have wished. Granted Dicks Sporting Goods Park isn't the easiest atmosphere to play in...

An incredibly shocking victory of a slothful AC Milan easily caused subsequent confidence in the hapless United. Playing against the ever-struggling Chivas USA helped the United muster out a trio of goals in a game where the Black-and-Red evidentially outplayed the Goats.

Philly records its first away team, and Houston proves yet again their an unpredictable team, in a game Philly scrapped out goals to win. Soon enough they'll have a long home-game stretch at PPL Park, where this match might be the preamble for a season turnaround.

The losing streak the Goats are one does not help with another loss against essentially the worst club in Major League thus far. Maybe Chivas wants to take over the role from the United. Without Bornstien for most likely three weeks to a month, Chivas is looking incredibly weak from their left flank. Exactly how the United popped two of their three goals.